I need advice~ =)

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I have been working in a nursing home for 7 months. I have 24 pts. and get paid $23/hour (I guess not bad as a new grad..)/ no benefit (I didn't buy the insurance b/c it's too expensive.) I really love my patients & co-workers. There are still lots of things to learn but the work is kinda not too challenging. ( I feel like I'm just settling)

Today I had an interview at an acute hospital for an lvn position.

I always wanted to work in the acute setting to bet more broad experience but most of the hospitals are getting rid of lvn's and as a new grad it's not easy to get a chance to get in. But this hospital do not require any experience and my friend who works there referred me to the director of nursing.

This hospital pays only $15.68/hr. =( but good thing is health benefit (EPO??) is free for my self and family. lvn's get 6-7 pts and gives primary care (?);including changing diapers and giving bath..

$15.68/hr sounds ridiculous but opportunity to work in the hospital for new grad doesn't come often..

I am planning to apply RN program next year after getting some clinical experience.

Any ideas or advice will be appreciated!!

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

As far as pay is concerned, figure out the cash value of the benefits at the hospital. Also consider the reputation of a facility. Having a work hx at a well recognized facility on your resume is a door opener. Best wishes.

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Hospital setting is more challenging, more interesting. Different kind of stress. Scheduling is usually less flexible than NH. I would check into benefit value (as above poster mentions) and also check into the shift differentials and the monetary amount for each shift. The opportunity sounds great! If you don't need that extra cash that you'd be loosing out on, I'd say go for it.

I'd also check with hospital as far as low census policy, does LPN get called off more frequently than RN's. When I took a med/surg position, low census did become an issue for me.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

After 6 months at a nursing home I was offered a position in Peds at a teaching hospital,of course i took it!! Back then the difference in pay was only PENNIES...consider what u need to accomplish financially and career wise. Once you become an RN ANY hospital will have you. Best wishes!!!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I say take the hospital job. and if you need extra money...you can always pick up hours at the nursing home prn. I wouldn't quite the nursing home job if were you. Just go prn, cause you'll never know what may happen in the future.

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I say take the hospital job. and if you need extra money...you can always pick up hours at the nursing home prn. I wouldn't quite the nursing home job if were you. Just go prn, cause you'll never know what may happen in the future.

I agree with this. With the benefits the hospital can offer you and the experience I would do it in a heartbeat. Good luck!

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Wow~

I'm so impressed about the words of wisdom.

Thank you very much everyone. If they decide to hire me, i am gonna take that job. =)

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Specializes in MR/DD.

Free health insurance?? Take it. I pay 240 dollars per month for health insurance and it comes directly from my paycheck my pay after insurance is about 2 dollars less per hour.

Keep in mind that hospitals often offer shift and weekend differential pay.

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Take it! Plus since you are going on for your RN:yeah:you will gain experience that is priceless!

Good Luck- Keep us posted-I hope you get the position!

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